Hay production conference focus

They're making hay. That is the key topic at the annual Southwest Hay and Forage Conference that opens today in Ruidoso. Growers will come together to learn about developing trends in the agricultural world, the outlook on water and fertilizer supplies, and new technologies for producers.

"As alfalfa and other forage producers face extended dry conditions and future commodity uncertainty, it is critical for them to educate themselves on the latest technological and research advances," said Mark Marsalis, New Mexico State University agronomist with the Cooperative Extension Service. "Hay and silage growers need to be award of the land use options available to them in order to make the best and most economical decisions for their operations. Many new products, management schemes, and even new land uses are becoming available that could be valuable options for them in the future."

With the ongoing drought, two officials with the Office of the State Engineer will provide an update on the drought situation and information about the office's Drought Task Force. Keven Groenewold, the general manager of the New Mexico Rural Electric Cooperative Association, is scheduled to provide insight into the trends and issues in the electric generation industry. A dozen other officials connected with farming also will be on hand during the Southwest Hay and Forage Conference that runs through Friday morning at the Ruidoso Convention Center.

Advertisement

The event will include a large machinery trade show and booths with various alfalfa and other forage-related products.

"The conference offers attendees access to a wide variety of the most up-to-date research information and industry technology," said Justin Boswell, executive director of the New Mexico Hay Association."

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The death of actor Leonard Nimoy last week has inspired people to post photos on social media of marked-up five-dollar Canadian banknotes that show former prime minister Wilfrid Laurier transformed to resemble Spock, Nimoy's famous "Star Trek" character. Full Story